Top 5 parks at our half way point.

We highlight several national parks and activities in the United States. For those interested in visiting national parks, our top 5 picks (we have only visited half of them) are Acadia National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Colorado Sand Dunes National Park. These parks offer a variety of landscapes and experiences for visitors. We also list 5 national parks that may not live up to the hype for some visitors: Smoky Mountains, Arches National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park. For those looking to enjoy national parks without doing a lot of hiking, we recommend visiting the adjacent towns, star gazing in dark sky parks, wildlife viewing, trying the peach pie in Capitol Reef National Park, and taking a scenic drive.

Our top 5

Acadia National Park: Located on the coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including forests, lakes, and rugged coastline. One of the main attractions is Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast. From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Capitol Reef National Park: Located in Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. The park is known for its stunning rock formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including desert bighorn sheep (which we saw!) and golden eagles.

Crater Lake National Park: Located in Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is home to the deepest lake in the United States. The lake is a stunning shade of blue and is surrounded by towering cliffs. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including marmots and pikas.

I (Kodiak) recently had the opportunity to cliff dive into Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and it was an absolute blast. The drop was about 20-25 feet, and it was the safest cliff jump I have ever seen.

As I stood at the top of the cliff, looking down at the clear, blue water below, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement and nerves. I took a few deep breaths and focused on my jump, trying to push any doubts or fears out of my mind.

When I was ready, I counted down from three and then took the leap when I hit two, I know i’m weird.

As I hit the water, I felt a brief moment of weightlessness at the full depth. The water was crystal clear and refreshing, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder as I looked up at the towering cliffs above me.

After my dive, I emerged from the water feeling exhilarated and alive. I can honestly say that cliff diving into Crater Lake was one of the most thrilling and memorable experiences of my life, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Lassen Volcanic National Park: Located in California, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a must-see for anyone interested in geology. The park is home to several active volcanoes, including Lassen Peak, which last erupted in 1915. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including black bears and mule deer.

Colorado Sand Dunes National Park: Located in Colorado, Colorado Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. The dunes, which can reach heights of 750 feet, are a popular spot for sandboarding and other recreational activities. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including pronghorns and rattlesnakes.

We decided to go a little further off the beaten path and take a small road that led to a little parking lot. It was the perfect spot for escaping the crowds and enjoying the dunes in peace.

As we walked out onto the dunes, we were immediately struck by their beauty and grandeur. The sand was soft and white, but it was hot to the touch so plan accodingly. The dunes seem to stretch on forever when you’re hiking them.

We spent hours exploring the dunes, climbing to the top and sliding down the steep slopes. The views from the top were breathtaking, and we could see for miles in every direction.

Overall, these are five of the most breathtaking and unique national parks in the United States. Each one offers something special and is worth a visit for anyone looking to get out and enjoy nature.